Splunk Core Certified User Practice Exam

What type of data does a forwarder collect in Splunk?

1. Static data files only

2. Event data

3. Live streaming data only

4. Data from scheduled backups

The correct answer is: Event data

A forwarder in Splunk is designed to collect event data, which encompasses any individual record or log entry that is generated by applications, servers, devices, or services. This event data is continuous and can come in various formats such as logs, metrics, and performance data. The primary function of the forwarder is to monitor sources of data, gather logs and other events, and send them to a central Splunk instance for indexing and analysis. Event data is essential in Splunk as it helps organizations monitor the health of their applications, troubleshoot issues, and analyze system performance. This is distinct from other types of data collection methods, such as the ingestion of static files or data from scheduled backups, which involve different processes and use cases that aren’t aligned with the primary role of the forwarder. Live streaming data does relate closely to event data, but it is not exclusive to that type. In contrast, the forwarder can collect from various sources of event data, including historical data or continuously generated logs, making it a versatile tool in a Splunk environment.